Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to indicate the length of validity of medical certificates for seafarers under the age of 18 and to provide a copy of the applicable provisions. It notes the Government’s response that neither the Federal Labour Law of 2 December 1969 nor the Annex to Regulations on Transport Medicine prescribe a period of validity of medical certificates. The Committee recalls that under Article 3 of the Convention, the continued employment at sea of any child or young person under 18 years of age shall be subject to the repetition of medical examination at intervals of not more than one year, and the production, after each such examination, of a further medical certificate attesting fitness for such work. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether under national legislation the employment of children or young persons under 18 years of age on board vessels is allowed and, if so, how it is ensured that these persons are subject to medical examination at intervals prescribed by Article 3 of the Convention.